1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 350 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
Model | Golf | Forester |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 224 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 306 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4559 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1781 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1699 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2616 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |